I purchased the Coolpix A, fretted, returned it, considered it again for about two weeks, purchased again.
I know, it sounds idiotic......In fact, it is idiotic. However, I am now clear that it is a great camera and I have no regrets.
Here were my initial regrets:
1. The V1 pricing debacle: I was thinking the "A" so incomplete that it would surely suffer the same fate as the V1 and everyone who purchased the the thing at full initial retail would regret it and wind up feeling like a fool.
2. The Ricoh GR was going to blow it away from a performance and price standpoint; there would be no reason to choose the "A: over the GR.
3. Initial dissatisfaction with the "A" would cause Nikon to shuffle back to the drawing board and bring forth "A.2" with numerous new features, e.g. tilting LCD, that I would lust after.
4. The GR is $300.00 cheaper.
5. The RX1 is so nice and, maybe, worth the extra money.
6. The "A", while compact, is not a true pocket camera...........Maybe "A.2" would be smaller yet.
7. What I perceived to be focus problems.
8. Maybe the x100s would be cooler.
Once I returned it the items I fretted over gradually faded as I recalled the great handling and image quality. It does fit in the pocket of my baggy shorts. Resolution is out of this world. Metering is excellent. The RAW files are superb.
1. So what if Nikon drops the price. In doing so, they will likely have to figure out a way to make it cheaper. Who knows where/if the quality will have to be cut.
2. It does not look as though the Ricoh is superior, or even equal to the "A" when it comes to image quality. I have seen here, and on Ming Thein's blog where the "A"s metering and color for the "A" are superior. My own eyes tell me the images are spectacular.
3 If generational difference is going to be a factor, it will likely have a greater effect on the RX1 than the "A." My gut says the next RX1 will have a tilt LCD; I am doubtful Nikon will include one on the next A. Spending $3,000.00 on an RX1, only to see a tilting LCD on the next rendition would send me into transports of regret. Besides, I do not even really like the configuration of Nikon tilting LCDs.
4. The GR is made in China while the "A" is made in Japan. I have no doubt the Chinese make a great product; however, this could well explain the $300.00 difference. I will pay $300 for the Japanese assurance of quality.
5. See 3, above
6. It is hard to imagine they will be able to reduce size by much. I am sure size was a major consideration in the design/engineering of the "A" . I would not want sacrifice any IQ for size reduction.
7. If focuses as well as any compact I have ever owned. Maybe better. I think I go sucked in by the blogosphere on this one.
8. The x100s is cooler, although likely not a better camera.
I had to get this off of my chest. I think I will go out in the yard and take pictures of the birds, dog, flowers, wife working in garden..........
Here are DPR's measurement of K5 and K30:
